IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including a developing device, a toner cartridge to supply toner to the developing device, a toner remaining amount sensor to detect a toner remaining amount in the developing device, a toner use amount detection mechanism to detect a parameter value for obtaining a use amount of toner, a first memory which is provided in the toner cartridge and to which a threshold of the parameter indicating a near empty state is previously inputted, and a control mechanism which determines necessity of a forcible toner supply operation based on a comparison between the detected parameter value and the threshold, and the toner remaining amount detected by the toner remaining amount sensor, and controls the image forming unit.

2011-10-27

20110262155

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD USING THE SAME - An image forming apparatus can prevent printed images from being degraded in image quality due to failure of the toner concentration to fall within a proper range, by correcting the deviations of the amount of toner consumption and the amount of toner supply depending on the individuality of each image forming apparatus and that enables exact identification of the cause of a fault associated with toner concentration, as well as providing an image forming method using the apparatus. A toner supply device supplies toner to a developing vessel through an opening in accordance with an instruction from a controller. The presence or absence of toner falling is detected based on the variation of the output from a magnetic permeability sensor when toner is supplied. The controller monitors the output voltage level of the magnetic permeability sensor and adjusts the input gain in accordance with the output voltage level to thereby control toner concentration.

2011-10-27

20110262156

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, CONTROL DEVICE, DETECTING METHOD OF REFERENCE INDEX ON TRANSFER BODY, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - An image forming apparatus includes: a latent image forming unit scanning and exposing an image carrier according to image data, to form a latent image; a transfer body on which a toner image is transferred and a reference index for setting an output start time point of the image data is formed; a detecting unit facing the reference index and outputting a detection signal changing in accordance with passing of the reference index; and a controller controlling the output start time point with the detection signal. The controller starts a first period during which change of the detection signal is ignored, according to first change of the detection signal, starts a second period after the first period, regards second change of the detection signal occurring first in the second period as a reference of the output start time point, and ignores change of the detection signal after the second change.

2011-10-27

20110262157

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE STABILIZATION CONTROL METHOD IN IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes: an image formation unit; an image formation frequency count unit; a first control unit; a target contrast potential determination unit, and a second control unit. The image formation unit forms an image pertaining to a print job input from an external on an image carrier. The image formation frequency count unit counts an image formation frequency of the image in the image formation unit. The first control unit controls the image formation unit, and executes a first image stabilization mode for adjusting a development bias voltage on the basis of a concentration of a pattern image formed on the image carrier. The target contrast potential determination unit determines a target contrast potential which is a target value of a potential difference between a potential of the image carrier after exposed and a potential of a developing device, when the print job is a continuous print job of the same image according to the image formation frequency counted in the continuous print job. The second control unit executes a second image stabilization mode for adjusting a development bias on the basis of the target contrast potential under execution of the continuous print job with the develop bias at the time of completing the first image stabilization mode executed by the first control unit as a reference value.

2011-10-27

20110262158

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF FORMING IMAGE - An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit fixing toner images to paper sheets, a timing adjusting unit adjusting the timing of supplying paper sheets to the fixing unit, a temperature detecting unit detecting the temperature of a predetermined section of a heating rotating body included in the fixing unit, and a timing control unit selecting a first mode or a second mode immediately after start-up of the image forming apparatus in accordance with whether the number of paper sheets to be printed exceeds a predetermined number, wherein in the first mode, when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit exceeds a first temperature, the first paper sheet is supplied to the fixing unit and, in the second mode, when the detected temperature exceeds a second temperature different from the first temperature, the first paper sheet is supplied to the fixing unit.

2011-10-27

20110262159

Image Forming Device - An image forming device comprising a fixing unit for thermally fixing a developer on a recording sheet, a control unit that controls the temperature to maintain the fixing unit at one of a fixing temperature and a stand-by temperature lower than the fixing temperature, and a transport unit that transports the recording sheet to the fixing unit, wherein, when the temperature of the fixing unit has dropped from the fixing temperature to the stand-by temperature, and a printing command is received, the control unit controls the transport unit so as to set a stand-by time to wait before starting to transport the recording sheet after the printing command is received as a second time interval, which is longer than a first time interval of time required for the temperature of the fixing unit to reach the fixing temperature based on information relating to the current temperature of the fixing unit.

2011-10-27

20110262160

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - An image forming apparatus and method which can take a countermeasure against a tail or the like in consideration of differences of various conditions such as a kind of transfer paper and the like is provided. The apparatus has an image processing portion for extracting an image pattern whose image information has a concentration of 100% and executing a thin-out process for thinning out a predetermined area in the extracted image pattern at a predetermined ratio. The image processing portion or step changes the thin-out process according to the transfer paper kind.

2011-10-27

20110262161

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a developing container for containing a developer including toner and a carrier; a feeding member for feeding the developer contained in the developing container; a drive control portion, capable of selectively executing at least operations in a first mode in which the developer is fed at a first feeding speed by the feeding member to form an image and a second mode in which the developer is fed at a second feeding speed, different from the first feeding speed, by the feeding member to form an image, for controlling the feeding speed of the developer by the feeding member depending on the operation in the mode to be executed; a toner content detection sensor for detecting toner content by using magnetic permeability of the developer contained in the developing container; and a voltage control portion for controlling a control voltage to be inputted into the toner content detection sensor. When the operation in the second mode is executed after the operation in the first mode is executed, the voltage control portion controls the control voltage in the second mode on the basis of a latest output value outputted by the toner content detection sensor in a preceding first mode.

2011-10-27

20110262162

IMAGE FORMING METHOD ADJUSTING APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMATION ADJUSTING METHOD - An image forming apparatus includes a recording medium supply device to supply a recording medium, an image forming part to form an image on the recording medium supplied by the recording medium supply device, a recording medium determination part that is disposed downstream of the recording medium supply device in a recording medium conveyance direction and upstream of the image forming part in the recording medium conveyance direction and includes a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device, and a control part to adjust an image forming method based on an output of the light-receiving device.

2011-10-27

20110262163

IMAGE TRANSFER POSITION ADJUSTMENT - According to one embodiment, a conveying mechanism including a visualizing agent image carrying mechanism configured to move visualizing agent image, which moves to sheet, to a moving position to sheet, a conveying mechanism configured to move sheet to the moving position where visualizing agent image moves to sheet, a visualizing agent image detector configured to detect the visualizing agent image moved by the visualizing agent image carrying mechanism, a media detector configured to detect passage of sheet to be capable of calculating moving speed of sheet, and a setting unit configured to set, if size of a shift of relative positions of visualizing agent image and sheet exceeds a tolerance, at least one of speed of the visualizing agent image carrying mechanism carries the visualizing agent image and speed of the conveying mechanism moves sheet to an optimum value.

2011-10-27

20110262164

IMAGE FORMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A POWER SUPPLY FOR TRANSFER - An image forming device comprising a rotatable image carrier, a transfer member which is a rotatable transfer member for transferring a toner image on the image carrier onto a recording paper sheet and forms a pressing nip by being pressed against the image carrier, a power supply for transfer for applying a voltage for transfer for transferring the toner image on the image carrier onto the recording paper sheet to the transfer member, and a recording paper sheet feed device for feeding the recording paper sheet into the pressing nip, and the method for controlling a power supply for transfer. The power supply for transfer is turned on by a power supply ON instruction signal, turned off by a power supply OFF instruction signal, and has a voltage set by an output voltage setting signal as an output voltage when it is on. The power supply for transfer is turned on and the output voltage of the power supply for transfer is set to 0 V before the transfer member is pressed against the image carrier, and the output voltage of the power supply for transfer is switched from 0 V to a high voltage for transfer after the transfer member is pressed against the image carrier.

2011-10-27

20110262165

Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes: a developer retaining unit configured to carry a developer; a fixing unit including a rotatable heating member configured to heat a recording sheet to thermally fix the developer on the recording sheet; a motor configured to drive the developer retaining unit and the fixing unit; a transmission unit configured to transmit a driving force of the motor to the fixing unit; a switching mechanism configured to selectively transmit the driving force of the motor to the developer retaining unit, and shut off the driving force of the motor to the developer retaining unit; and a control unit configured to, in a cooling operation, control the switching mechanism to shut off the driving force of the motor to the developer retaining unit and control the motor to rotate the heating member while the heating member does not heat.

2011-10-27

20110262166

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus including: a heating member which heats a toner image formed on a recording medium using a decolorizable toner containing a binder resin and a coloring agent containing a color developable compound and a color developing agent and having a capsule structure covered with an outer shell; a pressing member which is in press contact with the heating member to form a nip portion and nips and conveys the recording medium in cooperation with the heating member; a temperature control section which controls the temperature of the heating member to a temperature not higher than the density maintaining threshold temperature of the toner and not lower than the melting threshold temperature of the toner; and a conveyance control section which controls the conveying speed of the recording medium in the nip portion such that a time required for the recording medium to pass through the nip portion is 100 msec or more.

2011-10-27

20110262167

FIXING DEVICE AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - A fixing device includes a fixing belt, exercitation coils for induction-heating the fixing belt, power supplies that supply high-frequency power to the excitation coils, an output power detecting circuit that detects output electric energy of the power supplies, a power control circuit that controls the output electric energy of the power supplies, and temperature sensors that detect the temperature of a surface portion of the fixing belt. When electric energy applied to the excitation coils during the power fall reaches minimum power set in advance larger than 0 W, the power control circuit maintains the minimum power while the temperature detected by the temperature sensors is within a predetermined control temperature range and controls output power of the induction heating power supplies to shift from the minimum power to 0 W when the detected temperature deviates from the predetermined control temperature range.

2011-10-27

20110262168

FIXING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - According to one embodiment, a fixing device includes: a heating roller including a heat generating member on the inside; a pressing roller arranged to be opposed to the heating roller across a recording medium conveying path; a first temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the heating roller; a second temperature sensor set in non-contact with the pressing roller; a driving motor configured to drive the heating roller, and a control section configured to receive outputs from the first and second sensors and control, if the control section determines that a creep phenomenon is present in the pressing roller, the driving motor to extend a pre-run operation.

2011-10-27

20110262169

POWER CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS TO HEAT A HEATING ROLLER - A power control method and apparatus to heat a heating roller includes heating a heating roller provided to fix a toner image of print data in an image forming apparatus, the heating roller having a heating resistor to receive roller power. The power control method includes gradually increasing a maximum level of a source power supplied from an external source up to a specific maximum supply level, and supplying the maximum source power to the heating resistor as the roller power while gradually increasing the maximum level of the source power up to a specific maximum supply level, measuring a surface temperature of the heating roller, and supplying the source power of which maximum level is equal to the maximum supply level to the heating resistor as the roller power until the measured surface temperature reaches a specific fixing target temperature, and fixing the toner image onto a printing medium.

2011-10-27

20110262170

CLEANING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A cleaning apparatus includes a first cleaning roller, and a second cleaning roller. The first cleaning roller is contrived to contact to a circumferential surface against a moving member to be cleaned and to apply a bias to the member to be cleaned while rotating such that the circumferential surface of the first cleaning roller moves in a same direction as the member to be cleaned moves. The second cleaning roller is contrived to contact to the member to be cleaned after the member has been cleaned by the first cleaning roller and to rotate such that a circumferential surface of the second cleaning roller moves in a direction opposite a direction in which the member being cleaned moves.

2011-10-27

20110262171

Printing Device Having Correcting Function - A correction unit executes a correcting function for measuring at least one of position and density of a test image in response to a correction instruction and correcting an operation setting of a printing unit based on the measurement result. Print data includes correction requiring data that is required to execute the correcting function by the correction unit before an image corresponding to the correction requiring data is printed. A determining unit is configured to determine whether or not at least one of two conditions is satisfied. One condition is such that a ratio of a second numerical value represented by the correction requiring data to a first numerical value represented by the print data is less than a first reference value. Another condition is such that the second numerical value is less than a second reference value. When the determining unit determines that the at least one of two conditions is satisfied, the control unit bypasses the measurement by the correction unit even if a receiving unit receives the correction instruction.

2011-10-27

20110262172

OPERATING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An operating device includes a first support frame, a support shaft, an operating panel, a second support frame, and a spring. The first support frame is fixed to a front side of a main apparatus. The support shaft projects from the first support frame in a widthwise direction of the main apparatus. The second support frame is pivotally supported on the support shaft in such a manner as to be displaceable within a predetermined range in the widthwise direction while supporting the operating panel. The spring biases the second support frame in a first direction which the second support frame is pressed against the first support frame. The first support frame has a plurality of recesses on a circumference of a circle that is concentric with the support shaft. The second support frame has a first projection capable of being engaged into any one of the recesses.

2011-10-27

20110262173

Image Formation Device - An image formation device is provided with an image formation unit configured to form an image on a recording sheet, a first frame arranged to support the image formation unit, a second frame connected to the first frame, flexure rigidity of the second frame being smaller than flexure rigidity of the first frame, an electric substrate electrically connected with the image formation unit. With the above configuration, the electric substrate is arranged to extend from the first frame to the second frame and is secured onto the first frame with the position on the first frame being adjusted.

2011-10-27

20110262174

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING SCATTER OF TONER FROM DEVELOPING DEVICE - A developing device includes: a developing roller that faces an image carrier at a development position; a housing that supports the developing roller, supplies a developer to the developing roller and includes an opening portion formed in a wall surface of the housing; and a pipe that communicates with the opening portion.

CHARGING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In a charging device, a holding member holding a discharge electrode is provided in a shield case. The holding member includes a first guide and a second guide defining a slit therebetween. In the slit, the rear face of the discharge electrode other than a first long side is fixed to the internal side face of the first guide. The holding member holds the discharge electrode so that the entire surface of the discharge electrode and the rear face of the first long side are positioned in an air path extending from the air inlet to a gap and the first long side faces a grid electrode.

2011-10-27

20110262177

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a printing unit, a fixing device, a conveying roller, and a control unit. The printing unit is configured to form an image by transferring toner onto a sheet. The fixing device is configured to heat and fix the toner onto the sheet. The fixing device is disposed on the downstream side of the printing unit. The conveying roller is configured to convey the sheet from the fixing device. The conveying roller is disposed on the downstream side of the fixing device. The control unit is configured to control the sheet heated by the fixing device to pass through the conveying roller a plurality of times before the image is formed on the sheet by the printing unit.

2011-10-27

20110262178

MEMBER MOVING MECHANISM AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A member moving mechanism according to the present invention includes: a first moving member that moves in a first positive direction and a first negative direction opposite to the first positive direction; a second moving member that moves in a second positive direction that is different from each of the first positive direction and the first negative direction, and in a second negative direction opposite to the second positive direction; a belt member that connects the first moving member and the second moving member; and a belt-member guiding member that controls a moving direction of the belt member, and changes the moving direction of the belt member at least once.

2011-10-27

20110262179

CHARGING DEVICE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND TONER - A cleaning roller cleaning a surface of a cleaning component, wherein the cleaning roller is provided in a roller configuration having a cylindrical shape and has a portion in contact with the cleaning component, the portion being made of a melamine resin foam having a continuous foam structure, the melamine resin foam being provided by heating compression from an original configuration in a radial direction, and wherein the portion in contact with the cleaning component has a continuous foam structure and a tensile strength in a range of 1.7±0.5 kg/cm

2011-10-27

20110262180

TONER CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, in a toner cartridge, an engaging member includes a first engaging section and a sealing tape is fixed to the engaging member. A shutter includes a second engaging section and moves between a shutter first position where the shutter overlaps a toner supply port in plan view and a shutter second position where the shutter does not overlap the toner supply port in plan view. A lever includes a third engaging section and a fourth engaging section. The lever is present in a lever first position where the third engaging section and the first engaging section are disengaged. According to movement of the shutter, the lever moves in a first direction from the lever first position to a lever second position where the third engaging section engages with the first engaging section. Thereafter, the lever moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the lever second position to move the engaging member and the sealing tape in the second direction.

2011-10-27

20110262181

COLOR ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus detachably mounts cartridges and includes a support supporting a cartridge, movable between inside and outside positions, an outer wall having an opening through which the support passes through when moving between the inside and outside positions, and a guide supporting the support to linearly move between the inside and outside positions so that when the support is in the outside position, the guide supports the support so that a downstream side thereof is pivotable downwardly about an upstream side of the support with respect to a movement direction to the outside position from the inside position. In this state, the cartridge is mounted to the support from above the support and is dismounted upwardly of the support.

2011-10-27

20110262182

GEAR CENTER-DISTANCE MAINTAINING MECHANISM, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND ASSEMBLY - A gear center-distance maintaining mechanism includes a first support body that rotatably supports a first gear to be rotated by driving force from a driving unit, a second support body that rotatably supports a second gear to be meshed with the first gear so as to transmit rotational force from the first gear to a rotating body, the second support body being movable relative to the first support body in a direction such that the second gear moves away from the first gear, an arc-shaped face provided in the second support body and centered on an axis of the second gear, and a restricting portion provided in the first support body and shaped like an arc centered on an axis of the first gear, the restricting portion restricting the movement of the second support body relative to the first support body by contact with the arc-shaped face.

2011-10-27

20110262183

IMAGE DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An imaging device includes a photoconductor, a charging device that charges a photosensitive surface of the photoconductor by a charging member, an optical writing device that forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the charged photosensitive surface with light emitted from a light emitting portion, a developing device that develops the image by a developing member, and a support member that rotatably supports the photoconductor and supports the optical writing device at a distance from the photosensitive surface. The charging member and the developing member are provided closer to the optical writing device than a line extending orthogonally to an emitting direction of the light and passing through a center point of a shaft of the photoconductor. An application direction of a pressure to be applied to each of the charging member and the developing member intersects the emitting direction of the light at an acute angle.

2011-10-27

20110262184

Driver circuit, print head, and image forming apparatus - A driver apparatus drives a plurality of light emitting thyristors. Each thyristor includes a cathode connected to the ground, an anode, and a gate. A gate driver circuit outputs a drive signal that electrically drives the gate. A level shifter circuit includes an input terminal connected to the driver circuit and an output terminal connected to the gate of the thyristor. The level shifter circuit operates such that the drive signal is shifted down in signal level and is outputted to the output terminal and a signal at the gate inputted to the output terminal is shifted down in signal level and is outputted to the input terminal. In response to the drive signal outputted from the driver circuit, a current supplying circuit supplies drive current to the anode of the thyristor such that the drive current flows from the anode to the cathode.

2011-10-27

20110262185

EXPOSURE DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND MIRROR ADJUSTING METHOD - An exposure device includes a mirror to reflect light used for exposure of an object, a holder to hold the mirror, an adhesive that bonds the mirror to the holder and elastically deforms, and an adjusting tool that pushes the mirror to change a direction of the mirror.

2011-10-27

20110262186

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - An image forming apparatus forms an excellent-quality image by using a recycle developer obtained by recovering a developer remaining on an image carrier. The apparatus includes: an image carrier on which a developer image is formed, and which transfers the formed developer image to a material to be transferred at a transfer position; plural developing units supplying developer of corresponding colors to the image carrier; a cleaner disposed downstream of the transfer position in the rotating direction of the image carrier with respect to the image carrier, removing the developer remaining on the surface of the image carrier, and recovering the removed developer; a recycle developer storage unit storing the developer recovered by the cleaner therein; a recycle developer developing unit supplying the developer stored in the recycle developer storage unit to the image carrier; and a control unit controlling a recycle developer adjustment by supplying the developer from at least one of the plural developing units to the image carrier, forming a developer image on the image carrier, allowing the developer image to pass through the transfer position without being transferred onto the material to be transferred, and allowing the developer of the developer image to be recovered in the cleaner to supply the developer to the recycle developer storage unit.

2011-10-27

20110262187

DEVELOPING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH SAME - A developing device includes: a developing tank for storing a developer containing a toner and a magnetic carrier, the developing tank including, inside thereof, a first developer carrying path; and a first stirring carrying member that rotates so that the first stirring carrying member carries the developer included in the first developer carrying path while stirring the developer. A toner supply opening is formed in a developing tank cover. An upper part of an inner wall surface of a side in which a developer sinks which inner wall surface faces downward rotation of the first stirring carrying member inclines from a direction perpendicular to a horizontal surface toward the first developer carrying path. An angle α made by (i) a tangential line of the upper inner wall surface at a position of the upper inner wall surface which position is at a height of a top part of an outer circumference of the first stirring carrying member and (ii) a horizontal line is not less than 100° but not more than 150°. This makes it possible to properly stir a supplied toner with an existing developer without applying excessive stress on the developer.

2011-10-27

20110262188

MOUNTING STRUCTURE OF REMOVABLE MEMBER, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A mounting structure of a removable member includes a body; a removable member mounted to and dismounted from the body; a functional member provided at the removable member and having a determined function; a first gear provided at the removable member and transmitting power to the functional member; a second gear provided at the body, and engaging the first gear and transmitting the power to the first gear when the removable member is mounted to the body; and a covering member provided at the body. The covering member moves to an engageable position where the first and second gears are engageable with each other when the removable member is mounted to the body. The covering member covers at least a portion of the second gear from an engagement side of the first gear by moving from the engageable position when the removable member is dismounted from the body.

2011-10-27

20110262189

POWDER DELIVERY MEMBER, AND POWDER STORAGE CONTAINER AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS RESPECTIVELY USING SUCH POWDER DELIVERY MEMBER - A powder delivery member includes: a rotation shaft portion disposed rotatably within a powder storage container with powder stored therein; a delivery portion for delivering the powder along the axial direction of the rotation shaft portion; and, a powder discharge portion which, is disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the powder discharge port of the powder storage container, and is capable of storing therein the powder delivered thereto from the delivery portion, and also which, when it is rotated along the peripheral direction of the rotation shaft portion with the powder stored therein, can deliver the stored powder to the powder discharge port.

2011-10-27

20110262190

MAGNET ROLLER, DEVELOPER HOLDER ELEMENT, DEVELOP UNIT, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A magnet roller includes a magnetic field generator being columnar, a support element being columnar, coaxially provided at both ends of the magnetic field generator, and whose diameter is smaller than that of the magnetic field generator, a level element extending along an axis of the magnetic field generator with a distance from the axis, the distance larger than the diameter of the support element, and a high magnetic power element being a main magnetic pole provided on the level element, extending long along the axis of the magnetic field generator.

2011-10-27

20110262191

TRANSFER DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - A transfer device includes a transfer roller, a first resilient member configured to urge the transfer roller in the direction toward a recording medium carrying path, a pair of sliding members configured to support both ends of the transfer roller independently from each other, a pair of transfer roller holding members configured to support the respective sliding members so as to be capable of sliding and rotate about a center of rotation independently from each other, and a carrying guide configured to rotate about the center of rotation, be urged in the direction toward the transfer roller holding members by a second resilient member, and be restricted from rotating by the sliding members.

2011-10-27

20110262192

METHOD FOR PRODUCING FIXED MATERIAL, METHOD FOR PRODUCING DYE-PRINTED MATERIAL, FIXING APPARATUS, AND DYE-PRINTING SYSTEM - A method for producing a printed material, a method for producing a dye-printed material, a printing apparatus, and a dye-printing system have a good transfer property when a dry toner including a dye is electrostatically transferred to a base material, such as a fabric, based on an electrophotographic system or the like. The methods include a step of providing at least one type of dry toner containing a dye component and a binder resin to a charged body, a step of transferring the dry toner from the charged body to a base material, and a step of fixing the dry toner on the base material. In the transfer step, an electric field is applied between the charged body and the base material to fly the dry toner on the charged body from the charged body to the base material.

2011-10-27

20110262193

FIXATION DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS - A fixation device including: a conveyance member configured to convey media; a heater configured to heat the conveyance member; a pressure member being in contact with the conveyance member; a first sandwiching member disposed facing the pressure member with the conveyance member between the first sandwiching member and the pressure member and being in contact with the conveyance member; and a second sandwiching member disposed facing the pressure member with the conveyance member between the second sandwiching member and the pressure member and being in contact with the conveyance member.

2011-10-27

20110262194

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND FUSER APPARATUS - According to an embodiment of the invention, a heat uniforming member, which has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of a hollow member and in which thermal deformation generated by thermal expansion remains, is set in the inside of the hollow member having a center axis, support members are set to both ends of the hollow member to enable supporting of ends of the heat uniforming member, and an endless body having a uniform thermal distribution is formed by heating the hollow member, the heat uniforming member and the support member at a specified temperature for a specific time and causing the heat uniforming member to adhere closely to an inner wall of the hollow member.

2011-10-27

20110262195

Fixing Device and Image Forming Apparatus - A fixing device includes: a frame forming a transport path; a heating member disposed on the transport path; first and second transport rollers which are disposed so as to face the heating member in the transport direction and hold the recording sheet between the first and second transport rollers to transport the recording sheet, the first transport roller including a rotation shaft; and a spring which includes a holding portion holding the rotation shaft of the first transport roller, a support portion supported by the frame and an arm part between the holding portion and the support portion, and is configured to bias the transport roller to the second transport roller; and a restriction portion which contacts a part of the spring between the holding portion and the support portion and restricts the first transport roller from being moved in a direction separated from the second transport roller.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a mode setting section configured to set an operation mode in a manner that the image forming apparatus is operated in an erasing mode if an erasing operation is instructed, a supplying section configured to supply a medium on which the image formation is completed, and which is set in an designated or specified receiving section, a decoloring section configured to decolor the color of the formed image by carrying the medium to a heating section that includes at least heating and decoloring function, and a return section configured to return the operation mode to a predetermined mode except for the erasing mode from the erasing mode, when the last medium on which the image formation is completed and which is set in the receiving section is decolored.

2011-10-27

20110262198

SHEET HOLDING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS (PINION HOLDER IN SHEET FEEDER CASSETTE) - According to one embodiment, a sheet holding device including a guiding member that defines a sheet position in a sheet width direction which is perpendicular to a sheet movement direction, a rack gear that assists a movement in the sheet width direction of the guiding member, a pinion gear that assists the movement in the sheet width direction of the guiding member in cooperation with the rack gear, and a holder that supports the rack gear and the pinion gear movable in the sheet width direction in a state of maintaining a positional relation between the rack gear and the pinion gear, and provides an effect on a load applied to the guiding member from a direction which is perpendicular to each of the sheet movement direction and the sheet width direction.

2011-10-27

20110262199

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus can form a high-quality image without a toner image being rubbed with and transferred onto a sheet. The apparatus includes: an image carrier that transfers a toner image onto a sheet; a transport roller disposed upstream of a transfer position where the toner image is transferred onto the sheet from the image carrier in a sheet transport direction, and closest to the transfer position among rollers transporting the sheet; a guide section arranged between the transfer position and the transport roller, and changing over between a first guide state where the transported sheet is guided to contact a surface of the image carrier with a first contact area, and a second guide state where the transported sheet is guided to contact the surface of the image carrier with a second contact area smaller than the first contact area; and a guide control section allows the guide section to guide the transported sheet in the second guide state when the rear edge of the transported sheet passes through the transport roller.

2011-10-27

20110262200

SHEET TRANSPORT DEVICE FOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A sheet transport device includes: a registration roller pair that includes a first roller and a second roller lower in abrasion resistance than the first roller, and nips and transports a recording medium; and a drive mechanism that provides a rotation to the first roller to rotate at the first circumferential speed, and provides a rotation to the second roller to rotate at the second circumferential speed different from the first circumferential speed.

2011-10-27

20110262201

Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a return-sheet conveyer unit to convey a recording sheet carried from the image forming unit along a return-sheet path to return to the image forming unit, an upper frame unit including a pair of side frames to support the image forming unit in a position there-between, and a pair of lower frames arranged to have a predetermined amount of clearance there-between to have the return-sheet conveyer unit in the clearance, and configured to be less rigid than the upper frame unit and to support lower sections of the pair of side frames. A vertical position of the return-sheet conveyer unit with respect to the image forming unit is defined with reference to the upper frame unit by having a part of the return-sheet conveyer unit aligned to be in contact with the upper frame unit.

2011-10-27

20110262202

CONTINUOUS ROLL SHEET HOLDING APPARATUS AND PRINTING APPARATUS - A continuous roll sheet holding apparatus that fits rotary shafts to both ends of a continuous sheet wound in a roll shape, and rotatably supports each rotary shaft, thereby supporting the continuous sheet to be pulled out, includes holding flanges configured to rotatably support the respective rotary shafts, a driven unit which is integrally disposed in one of the rotary shafts and configured to receive driving from an apparatus body, and a flange holding unit configured to support each of the holding flanges, and abut on the holding flange to regulate a position of the holding flange in a direction of the rotary shaft and a direction orthogonal to the rotary shaft.

2011-10-27

20110262203

PRINTER SELECTIVELY HAVING CONFIGURATIONS FOR RECEIPT PRINTER AND FOR TICKET PRINTER - A printer according to the present invention selectively comprises, a cutting configuration for a receipt printer for printing a receipt and a cutting configuration for a ticket printer for printing a ticket, as a cutting configuration for cutting a printed part of the paper roll. The cutting configuration for the receipt printer includes a fixed blade mounted to the upper frame and a movable cutter unit mounted on the lower frame to oppose the fixed blade through the paper roll to be driven by a driving source to cut the paper roll. The cutting configuration for the ticket printer includes a hand cutter mounted to at least one of the upper frame and the lower frame.

2011-10-27

20110262204

MEDIA DRIVE RESTRAINT AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A CLOSED MEDIA TRAY - In one embodiment, a device for a printer includes a movable tray for supporting a print media. The tray is movable between an open position in which media may be moved on to the tray and a closed position in which media is blocked from moving on to the tray. The device also includes a rotatable media drive component for moving print media on to the tray and a movable restraint operatively connected to the tray. The restraint is movable between: a first position, corresponding to the open position of the tray, in which the restraint does not restrain the media drive component; and a second position, corresponding to the closed position of the tray, in which the restraint restrains rotation of the media drive component.

2011-10-27

20110262205

FLOOR FINISH APPLICATOR - A floor finish applicator including a cart having wheels and a body member constructed and arranged to receive a source of floor finish. The floor finish applicator also includes a pump coupled to the cart and operable to deliver floor finish to a floor, a floor finish feed conduit in fluid communication between the pump and a container supporting floor finish, and a transmission assembly coupled to the cart. The floor finish feed conduit supplies floor finish to the pump. The transmission assembly includes an axle coupled to and driven by a wheel of the cart, a drive gear connected to the axle, a drive shaft having a driven gear for engaging the drive gear and driving the pump, and a hand-actuated spring-loaded clutch for selective engagement of the pump and the drive shaft with the axle.

DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS - The present invention relates to a hand-held dispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid, a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, the frangible applicator tip comprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and a frangible region therebetween. Preferably, the tongue element comprises ribs for reinforcing the tongue element to resist unintentional breaking of the frangible region. More preferably, the applicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover disposed around the frangible region to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member. Adaptive embodiments allow the generation of designs applicable to a particular medical purpose.

2011-10-27

20110262208

Rotatable Cosmetic Applicator - A cosmetic applicator for applying cosmetic product is disclosed, the applicator comprising a body defining a handle, the body being arranged to receive the cosmetic product, a rotatable applicator element attached to a distal end of the body, the applicator element extending transversely relative to the body and being located proximate the cosmetic product, and a driving arrangement to rotate the applicator element, thereby loading the cosmetic product for subsequent application. In an embodiment, the body is elongate so as to define a longitudinal axis, with the applicator element extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. In an embodiment, the cosmetic applicator comprises an actuating arrangement to allow a user to selectively control the position of the cosmetic product with respect to the applicator element, thereby allowing a controlled quantity of cosmetic product to be loaded onto the applicator element.

2011-10-27

20110262209

Fluid Application Device - A fluid application device for applying a fluid to a surface and removing the same as necessary. The device may generally comprise a fluid applicator and a textile base member for sanitizing gym equipment, wiping windows, applying sunscreen, and the like. The fluid applicator may comprise a spray applicator, a permeable bladder, and the like. The textile base member may include but is not limited to a hand towel, a wristband, and any other known textile configurations. In one embodiment, the present invention may be used by gym patrons to sanitized gym equipment before and/or after use. The present invention may also be used to clean other surfaces including but not limited to household windows, vehicle windows, and the like. Additional embodiments of the present invention may also be used either to apply sunscreen on a user or as a fishing towel to clean hands and remove odor.

2011-10-27

20110262210

REFILLABLE NOTEBOOK WITH RELEASE MECHANISM - A binding mechanism assembly for binding a sheet item, the binding mechanism assembly including a backing member having an upper surface, and a binding member directly or indirectly coupled to the backing member. The binding member includes a protrusion shaped and located to protrude through a hole of a sheet item to be bound thereto. The binding member further includes a generally flexible flange that is manually movable into engagement with the protrusion to form a generally closed loop and thereby bind the sheet item thereto. The loop is rotatable relative to the backing member from a first position in which the loop is generally located above the upper surface to a second position wherein at least part of the loop is located below the upper surface. A release mechanism is provided for opening the loop.

WORK TOOL COUPLING ARRANGEMENT - A coupling arrangement for coupling a work tool to a machine is disclosed. The coupling arrangement has a locking arrangement for locking the work tool to the machine. The coupling arrangement further has at least two fluid couplers arranged to be connected to each other for establishing a fluid passage between a main pressurized fluid circuit channel of a work tool and a main pressurized fluid circuit channel of a machine. The coupling arrangement further has a driving arrangement for driving at least one of the fluid couplers for connection to the other fluid coupler, the driving arrangement being separate from the main pressurized fluid circuit.

2011-10-27

20110262213

SHAFT COUPLING FOR DEVICE FOR DISPERSING GAS IN OR PUMPING MOLTEN METAL - A coupling assembly includes a motor driven drive shaft. A rotatable refractory shaft is adapted to be connected to a rotor. Locking recesses are formed in an upper end of the refractory shaft. A rotatable coupling includes a body and a device for affixing the drive shaft to the body. Lever arms are fastened to the body and can be pivoted. A recess in the body receives the refractory shaft. Openings in the body extend from an exterior surface of the body to the recess. Each of the lever arms includes a protruding locking member positioned in the opening in the body. Each locking member engages a locking recess. A device exerts a force against the lever arms forcing the locking members into the locking recesses.

2011-10-27

20110262214

Slide For Interconnecting To A Frame - A slide is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The slide includes a bar extending along a main axis and having an inner face, an outer face, first and second sides and a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along a bore axis at an acute angle to the outer face. The first and second sides includes recessed grooves therein. A sliding member includes first and second legs projecting therefrom and being slidably received in corresponding grooves in the first and second sides of the bar. The legs guiding slideable movement of the sliding member along the bar.

2011-10-27

20110262215

Hybrid scaffold system - A swing head assembly with a swing head and pin affixed to a first horizontal member. A vertical member with a rosette positioned in coaxial alignment therewith. The rosette has radially arranged cut-outs for receiving the swing head assembly. The swing head assembly is rotatably coupled to the rosette. A second horizontal member has a horizontal member head at an end thereof. The rosette is also able to also receive mating elements of the horizontal member head, the second horizontal member having therein an internal wedge assembly with a wedge portion that extends and retracts from the horizontal member head to lock and unlock the horizontal member head to the rosette. The invention further includes a horizontal member having a swing head assembly at one end and an internal wedge assembly at the second end thereof.

2011-10-27

20110262216

LOCKING DEVICE FOR A ROOFTOP SUPPORT - A locking device that prevents a rooftop support device from being separated into upper and lower parts is disclosed. The locking device stops the lower base from being fully unscrewed from the upper platform. The device automatically releases to allow the lower base to be screwed back onto the upper platform.

2011-10-27

20110262217

LATCH MECHANISM APPLIED FOR MULTI-FUNCTION GAME TABLE - A latch mechanism applied for multi-function game table includes a confinement component and a latch component. The game table has a framework and a tablet pivoted to the framework for flip. The confinement component is applied for the tablet of the game table and has a channel formed thereof. The latch component is applied for the framework of the game table to correspond with the confinement component, and the latch component includes a base and a switch. The base has a through passage to correspond with the channel of the confinement component. The switch is arranged in the through passage of the base; and has a manipulation member and a shut member. The manipulation member is pivoted to the base via a connecting end thereof for angular displacement, and the shut member is approximately vertical to the manipulation member so as to move as same as the manipulation member. When the manipulation member angularly moves inside the through passage of the base, the shut member rotates to reach into the channel of the confinement component. The latch component locks the confinement component so that the tablet secure to the framework for staying still.

2011-10-27

20110262218

KEYLESS COUPLING ARRANGEMENT - A dovetail coupling arrangement is disclosed for securing two removable parts along a coupling axis. The dovetail coupling arrangement includes multiple opposing surfaces between the receiver of a first member and the projection of a second member to provide resistance to forces transmitted in a direction orthogonal to the coupling axis. Such an arrangement may be utilized for jaw sets associated with hydraulic construction, demolition, and scrap handling equipment.

2011-10-27

20110262219

ROD CONNECTOR FOR CONNECTING THREADED RODS - A rod connector for connecting threaded rods is adapted for holding in engagement two or more threaded rod sections. The rod sections are engaging with their threads in an overlapping area. The rod connector comprises a bracket with a plurality of flanges. At least one flange is provided with a retaining opening such that two or more threaded rods with their threads in mutual engagement fit in the retaining opening and are prevented from becoming disengaged. The bracket furthermore includes at least one connection portion interconnecting the flanges.

2011-10-27

20110262220

Connection Assembly For Interconnecting To A Frame - A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.

2011-10-27

20110262221

Corner Piece For Mechanically Interlocking Frame Members - A corner piece is provided for interconnecting frame members. The corner piece includes a first plate member defining an inner face, an opposite outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The first plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. A second plate member defines an inner face contiguous with the inner face of the first plate member, an outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The second plate member includes a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a first axis generally parallel to the inner face of the first plate member.

2011-10-27

20110262222

Frame Member For Structure - A frame member is provided for a structure. The frame member includes a generally flat, elongated first surface having an elongated slot therein extending along an axis. The slot is defined by first and second converging sidewalls lying in corresponding planes which are at acute angles to the first surface. A first diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall and a second diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall. A first diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall and a second diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall.

2011-10-27

20110262223

Connection Assembly For Frame Structure - A connection assembly is provided for a frame structure. The connection assembly including a first plate member defining an inner face, an opposite outer face, and a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a first axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A tubular collar operatively connected to the first plate member. The tubular collar has a first end and an open terminal end for receiving a first end of a support rod.

2011-10-27

20110262224

Attachment Mechanism - An attachment mechanism for mating components includes a receiving member having at least two slots therein, a base member having at least one protrusion positioned thereon and configured to be received in at least of one of the slots, a retaining member having at least two elongated protrusions each configured to engage at least one of the slots respectively.

2011-10-27

20110262225

WATER-BALLASTED PROTECTION BARRIERS AND METHODS - A water-ballasted molded plastic barrier system incorporates barrier segments wherein each segment employs a sawtooth reflective design, designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. Wire rope cable assemblies are internally molded into each barrier segment to create an impenetrable cable fence. The wire rope cable assemblies include steel bushings which are molded into the interlocking knuckles to further strengthen the barrier system.

2011-10-27

20110262226

ROAD MARKER WITH SOLID BODY AND LENS PROTECTION - A road marker configured to withstand the force of a tire of a vehicle travelling over the road marker is provided. The road marker includes at least one lens, and a body having a trapezoidal cross section. The body includes a flat top, a bottom wall, a pair of angled sides with pockets for the lenses, and a pair of rounded ends. A pocket is disposed on each of the angled sides. The pocket is formed to receive the lens. Each pocket extends from the top to the bottom wall and from one of the pair of rounded ends to the other of the pair of rounded ends. A plurality of vertical exterior ribs which extend beyond the exposed surface of the lens to provide a gap between the lens surface and the tire.

2011-10-27

20110262227

Front Drive Of A Road Paver And A Method For Controlling The Front Drive - A road paver for laying road construction material comprises a tamping beam, a bunker for receiving road construction material, a wheeled chassis with a rear axle and a steerable front axle, and a hydraulic arrangement for permanent or optionally selectable drive of hydraulic motors which are coupled to the front wheels. A method for tractive power control and for drive slip limitation of the front drive of a road paver is also disclosed.

2011-10-27

20110262228

METHOD FOR DUST CONTROL ON SALINE DRY LAKEBEDS USING MINIMAL WATER RESOURCES - A method for controlling dust on a saline lakebed is disclosed comprising several methods such as a Brine Membrane method, an Interim method and a Springtime Conservation method. The Brine Membrane method comprises creating or locating an existing wetting basin, depositing precipitated salts in the basin, and depositing a brine over the salts to form a brine membrane.

Method for Assembling Tendons - A tendon is assembled in a horizontal orientation using connectors or by welding at a weld station on a barge or other vessel located at or near the installation site of a tension leg platform. During assembly, the tendon is pulled away from the assembly vessel and tensioned by a tug or offshore work vessel. When fully assembled, the tendon may be up-ended in a manner similar to a wet-towed tendon, and then either pre-installed using floats or passed over to a TLP which is on-site and ready to receive tendons.

2011-10-27

20110262231

Pumpable Support with Cladding - A support for use in mines and other underground workings is provided comprising a flexible inflatable bag configured for receiving a pumpable load-bearing material. A reinforcing material is provided for supporting the bag when the bag is filled with the load-bearing material. The reinforcing material can include reinforcing plates, rings, bands or barrels positioned about the outer periphery of the bag. Alternatively, the support can be formed from a plurality of stackable barrels that are filled with load-bearing material but without the inflatable bag. The barrels can include internal reinforcing or cladding material at spaced locations along the barrels to define controlled deflection zones. According to another design, the support can be designed to be extensible. The support is inexpensive to transport, can be erected on-site and has a reinforced structure with residual yield strength. A method for supporting a mine or other underground workings is disclosed.

2011-10-27

20110262232

Lathe blade assembly - The lathe blade assembly has a body, a head and a bolt. The body has a head mount having an outer diameter and an outer periphery surface. The head has a mounting recess mounted around the head mount, and having an inner diameter and an inner periphery surface. The inner diameter of the mounting recess, wherein the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter before the head is mounted on the head mount. The inner periphery surface of the mounting recess is attached to and pressed onto the outer periphery surface of the head mount securely. The bolt is mounted through the head and screwed into the head mount to connect the body and head.

2011-10-27

20110262233

COATED TOOL AND A METHOD OF MAKING THEREOF - The present invention relates to a tool for metal machining comprising a tool substrate of cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics or a super hard material, and a coating comprising an inner alumina layer and an outer titanium boronitride layer, wherein said layers are separated by one or more layers comprising an oxide layer other than an alumina layer, and a method of making the tool.

2011-10-27

20110262234

COOLANT DISTRIBUTOR - A coolant distributor for use with a cutting head of a machine tool that is adapted to be rotated about a rotational axis. The coolant distributor comprises a generally cylindrical body adapted to be coupled to the cutting head about the rotational axis, the generally cylindrical body having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being disposed adjacent the cutting head when the generally cylindrical body is coupled to the cutting head. At least one feed passage is formed in the generally cylindrical body, the feed passage having a first end disposed proximate the first end of the generally cylindrical body and a second end disposed proximate the second end of the generally cylindrical body. A deflecting element is disposed in the feed passage proximate the second end of the feed passage. An outflow passage is connected to the feed passage and disposed obliquely to the rotational axis.

2011-10-27

20110262235

REUSABLE LOW COST DRILL FOR DRYWALL - A reusable low cost drill bit element for operative, removable attachment to a turning implement for drilling anchor installation holes, particularly of at least ½″ diameter, in drywall. The drill bit is comprised of a section to be engaged with the turning implement and to be turned therewith, a drilling section with angled step sections in common planes perpendicular to the drill bit axis to perpendicularly bore into the drywall and form a perpendicular through aperture of a desired diameter, and an element to prevent the drill bit from falling behind the wall so that it can be reused to bore additional holes for other anchor.

Bolt on drive assembly for a core drill with high strength spoked reinforcer - A bolt on drive assembly for a core drill which utilizes an improved high strength spoked reinforcer mounted beneath a disc. The disc and high strength spoke reinforcer are removably mounted on the tube by bolt fasteners. A drive connection is removably mounted and centrally located on a outer disc of the pair of discs. The drive connection is adapted to connect with a drive shaft to cause rotation of the tube. The system can also include a split in the disc when the high strength spoked reinforcer is not welded thereto thereby providing a means of water control. The high strength spoked reinforcer can be a separate piece that is bolted to the disc or can be integrally formed as one piece therewith.

2011-10-27

20110262238

Method for Producing Bevel Gears Having Hypocycloidal Teeth in the Continuous Indexing Method Using a Corresponding Face Cutter Head - A face milling cutter method for manufacturing various hypocycloidal bevel gears that is characterized in that the following steps are performed to manufacture a first bevel gear: equipping a universal face milling cutter in a first configuration with a first number of cutter groups that corresponds to a first number of passes. A first bevel gear is then produced in the continuous partial method using the universal face milling cutter in the first configuration. The following steps are performed to manufacture a second bevel gear: equipping the same universal face milling cutter in a second configuration with a second number of cutter groups that corresponds to a second number of passes. The second bevel gear is then produced in the continuous partial method using the universal face milling cutter in the second configuration.

KEY DUPLICATION MACHINE - Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a key duplication machine are described. In one embodiment, an assembly for duplicating a master key includes an optical imaging device, a logic, a clamping assembly, and a cutting member. The optical imaging device is capable of capturing an optical image of at least a portion of the master key. The logic is capable of determining a key pattern of the master key from the optical image of the master key. The clamping assembly is capable of clamping a key blank and the cutting member is capable of cutting a key pattern into said key blank.

Screw Lock Accessory Retaining Device - Systems, apparatus and methods for an accessory retaining device are described. According to various embodiments, a handle, shaft and flange are configured to provide a rotational interface. With the assistance of threading between the shaft and the handle or other components, rotation of the handle causes axial movement of the shaft and compression of a grommet located about the shaft or flange. Compression of the grommet results in radial expansion. In this way, the accessory retaining device is adapted to secure an accessory to a mounting aperture located on a vehicle or other device when the handle is in a closed position. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

2011-10-27

20110262243

SELF-CONTAINED TWIST FASTENER FOR INSTALLATION AND SERVICE ACCESS - A fastener assembly on a removable vehicle part. A removable vehicle part is provided to be fastened. A fastener is inserted through a portion of the removable vehicle part to be fastened. A receiver is formed having engagement catches. The fastener is removably connected to the receiver to form a fastener assembly. The engagement catches of the receiver of the fastener assembly are inserted into a vehicle.

2011-10-27

20110262244

Accessory Retaining Device - Systems, apparatus and methods for an accessory retaining device are described. According to various embodiments, a handle, shaft and fastener are configured to provide a rotational interface. With the assistance of a cam bushing, threading between the shaft and the fastener or other components, rotation of the handle causes axial movement of the shaft or fastener and compression of a grommet located about the shaft or fastener. Compression of the grommet results in radial expansion. In this way, the accessory retaining device is adapted to secure an accessory to a mounting aperture located on a vehicle or other device when the handle is in a closed position. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

2011-10-27

20110262245

DOUBLE-END THREADED BODY AND INTERNALLY-THREADED BODY - An object of the present invention is to provide a duplex threaded body having a right-handed thread and a left-handed thread on the circumferential surface of a single solid member. In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a single-nut or double-nut type internally-threaded body that demonstrates a locking effect even at an intermediate position without substantially loosening by using a combination of a duplex externally-threaded body and one or more internally-threaded bodies. Moreover, an object of the present invention is to provide a screw structure in which a pair of internally-threaded bodies can only be removed by destruction once they are mutually coupled when screwed onto a duplex externally-threaded body, thereby making it possible to impart tamper-proof characteristics in addition to a locking effect. The duplex externally-threaded body of the present invention has, on the outer circumferential surface of a rod-like member, an overlapping region in which a clockwise spiral right-handed thread and a counter-clockwise spiral left-handed thread are provided in at least an overlapping manner. Moreover, the present invention makes it possible to use, alone or in combination, a right-handed internally-threaded body in which a right-handed thread is formed, and a left-handed internally-threaded body in which a left-handed thread is formed, that are screwed onto a duplex externally-threaded body.

2011-10-27

20110262246

Threaded Rod - A threaded rod comprises a single coarse thread having flattenings on opposite sides forming thread sections on opposite sides. At least one of the thread sections on one side of the threaded rod is omitted.

2011-10-27

20110262247

PENETRATION LOAD REDUCED STAPLE - A penetration load reduced staple includes a pair of leg portions configured to penetrate sheets of paper, a crown portion connecting the pair of leg portions. Each of the leg portions includes a protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction of the leg portion, from a portion of a side surface of the leg portion between the crown portion and a distal end portion of the leg portion and near the distal end portion.

2011-10-27

20110262248

Binding Plant For Hardcover Books And Binding Method For These Books - A binding plant for hardcover books comprising a binding equipment and a false cover forming equipment. The false cover forming equipment carries out false covers, by positioning a pair of endpapers in correspondence of lateral binding flaps of a respective backstrip, arranging folds of the endpapers at a pre-assembling distance associated with the thickness of the text block and gluing margins of past-down sheets of the endpapers with binding edges of the backstrip. The binding equipment is feedable, at a cover input “IC”, with the false covers for carrying out book blocks by gluing the backstrips of the false covers with the binding edges of corresponding text blocks and refolding the pairs of endpapers on the respective text blocks. An electronic processing unit is settable for the control of the false cover forming equipment and the binding equipment as a function of the dimensions of the hardcover book to be bound.

2011-10-27

20110262249

One person round bale transporter - The practical use of this invention allows one person to transport a round hay/forage bale a short distance without assistance from a tractor or other vehicle. The power source is a cordless drill that rolls the bale along the ground essentially turning it into a large diameter wheel. The relatively low cost and unique feature of using a cordless drill as a power source to move such a large cylindrical object is new to the hay/forage transportation industry.

2011-10-27

20110262250

AUTOMATED ROBOTIC SYSTEM FOR HANDLING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - Systems and methods that process a plurality of surgical instruments for cleaning and/or packaging. A device identifies a robot-ready insert having a predetermined configuration for accepting at least one type of surgical instrument. The surgical instruments are identified and oriented according to type using an automated apparatus. Specialized tools are also provided for automatically opening and closing surgical instruments, flipping instruments and assisting in the processing and maintenance of surgical instruments. The automated apparatus then places each of the surgical instrument types in one or more predetermined areas of the insert, configured to accept a predetermined set of surgical instrument types.

2011-10-27

20110262251

WORKPIECE CONVEYING SYSTEM - A workpiece conveying system includes at least three workpiece storage chambers arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction. A conveyance chamber is provided adjacent to the workpiece storage chambers. A workpiece processing chamber is provided adjacent to the conveyance chamber on the side opposite the workpiece storage chambers. First and second workpiece conveying robots are disposed in the conveyance chamber. The workpiece conveying robots are controlled by a controller and convey workpieces between the workpiece processing chamber and the workpiece storage chambers. The first and second workpiece conveying robots are spaced from each other in the arrangement direction. Each workpiece conveying robot conveys a workpiece into and out of at least two of the workpiece storage chambers.

2011-10-27

20110262252

Substrate Processing System and Substrate Transferring Method - A substrate processing system and substrate transferring method is disclosed, which is capable of transferring a substrate bi-directionally through the use of substrate transferring device provided between two rows of processing chambers arranged linearly, thereby improving the substrate-transferring efficiency, the substrate processing system comprising a transfer chamber having at least one bi-directional substrate transferring device for bi-directionally transferring a substrate; and a plurality of processing chambers for applying a semiconductor-manufacturing process to the substrate, wherein the plurality of processing chambers are linearly arranged along two rows confronting each other, and the transfer chamber is interposed between the two rows of the processing chambers, wherein the at least one bi-directional substrate transferring device comprises a moving unit provided inside the transfer chamber, and horizontally moved by a linear motor; and a bi-directional substrate transferring unit provided in the moving unit, the bi-directional substrate transferring unit for transferring the substrate to the processing chamber through a bi-directional sliding movement.